Zazen - A Guide to Sitting.

Thus we can pose the question.. Did Buddha consider himself a "master"..did he teach a method for others to become "masters".. or was he teaching the way to become a Student....

Also, since I have mentioned the concept of a "goal" to this practice.. I would also be inclined to state that the "Goal" is infact, not a "finite" one. Honestly in the truest concept of MA.... no one is a "master" ... in fact all are students for the Goal is joyfully an Infinite one with infinite reward.. thus the reason the "masters" never stop their own practice..

Personally... I believe the secrets of various Breathing techniques during meditation are for more beneficial to achieving the goal then simply posture alone.. but when combined.. Bliss becomes plentiful... Peace..

But at the same time.. if your goal is the Ultimate goal.. then doesn't it make sense to make the most of your efforts/time spent in the practice of meditation by utilizing the advantages that these postures provide.

Spine alignment and posture is extremely important in achieving the chemical reactions that take place in the "awakened mind"..it has to do with the nervous system and allowing the energy to travel up your spine to your mind from the lower mid section... it is highly, highly, highly advantages to put in the work to meditate in these postures.. but i would say.. not an absolute requirement in achieving the state of being that is the goal..

And how would anyone know how he was sitting? He was alone.

No one knew until he stood up, and started teaching it, and later transmitted it to Mahakasyapa, who then transmitted it to Ananda and so on it passed through Bodhidharma, Dogen, Keizan, Deshimaru...

I'll can concede all of this, because I'm not as educated on the topic as you are, obviously.

But even admitting my ignorance, I still must disagree that the posture is essential. Do you believe that the Buddha could not have realized our true nature if he was sitting in another way, or even laying down?

I believe posturing can be very helpful, certainly. But it's not as necessary as you seem to believe.

In the Shobogenzo it is written that when someone asked Dogen " why practice zazen when there are many other ways of waking to our true nature (Tai Chi, Kung Fu, Visualization, Chanting sutras, Meditate in a chair, in bed...etc)" Dogen answered: "Because zazen is the main gate to enter the Dharma".
Sure there are many other ways..It is just a pitty that many people advice on how to practice zazen when they have never sat in the posture. My advice: always make an extra effort.
Peace and Love.

You know, many people would probably chose a posture that is most comfortable to them. But in my experience, a posture that is uncomfortable at first helps you to find and overcome all the achings and spasms in your muscles. (unpleasant) Emotions are locked in our mucles and we need to free them in order to find the peace and harmony we are looking for - the emotionless state so to speak. We use to lock them up there so they wont concern us. Postures like prohibid running away from hidden emo's.